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Allerton Players pull out all the stops for 80th anniversary production

Simon Gibson as King Charles II and Katie Bowie as Nell Gwynn
Simon Gibson as King Charles II and Katie Bowie as Nell Gwynn

A NORTHALLERTON drama group is celebrating a milestone anniversary this month with a lavish period costume production.

Allerton Players has been performing in the town for 80 years since it was formed, as Allertonshire Players, in 1942.

Over the years the group has tackled a wide range of plays, both full length and one act, including serious drama, farces and comedies, children’s plays, murder mysteries and period pieces.

Chairperson Katie Bowie said: “It is fantastic that the Allerton Players are still putting on plays after all this time. Over the years the type of plays we have put on may have varied dependent upon available cast and the tastes of local audiences, but the Allerton Players have always been known for high quality productions and their dedication to providing entertainment to the people of Northallerton, and we are all very proud to be part of that tradition.”

The group has pulled out all the stops for its anniversary production and is presenting Nell Gwynn by Jessica Swale at the Forum in Northallerton on November 17, 18 and 19.

Director Paul Staines said: “We are delighted to be putting on Nell Gwynn in our 80th year. It is a fabulous play with lots of laughs, a big cast, great costumes and even a bit of singing and dancing. Nell Gwynn was an amazing woman and a very witty one. The story of how she rose from her childhood in the slums of London to become the mistress of King Charles II and one of the first, and best known, actresses in British history is absolutely fascinating.”

Tickets can be booked at www.forumnorthallerton.org.uk or by phoning the Forum box office on 01609 776230.